Threat of Chemical and Biological Weapons: Pakistan’s Defence Needs, Problems and Policy Options

Abstract

The use of highly hazardous Chemical and Biological (CB) materials as weapon of war to create mass casualties have been recorded since ancient times and are thus called Weapons of Mass Destruction. The CB weapons have been used in several conflicts worldwide despite the 1925 Geneva Protocol, Biological Weapon Convention (BWC), and Chemical Weapon Convention (CWC). These treaties have a considerable impact on norms which have put a constraint on the international behaviour. There is a well-articulated taboo and international norms resulting in condemnation on their use in any conflict based on ethics and has been analysed in the light constructivist theory. The possible deliberate misuse of CB Weapons/Agents can be either state sponsored and/or by the non–state actors. Yet another dimension is accidental release of CB agents which are developed and used for peaceful purposes as allowed by the conventions. The evidence of existence of CB taboo in South Asia would appear in the form of implementation of CB conventions in the region. Pakistan’s entry into both CWC & BWC as a non-possessor state is a testimony to the fact that Pakistan never undertook development of such weapons. However, Pakistan badly lacks requisite infrastructure required for defence against such threats as evident from our basic level disease investigation and forensic investigation capabilities. The preparedness against natural and manmade disasters under present security threat environment is inevitable and shall enhance national security in Pakistan. Overall, this research looks at the prevalent threat in South Asia under current security environment and thus deals with prevalent defence against CB threats including various necessary mitigation measures. In light of the identified defence needs and problems in this vital defence area, the research proposes CB defence policy contours for Pakistan as signatory to CWC and BWC